Monday, May 7, 2012

There's something that's been brewing in my heart, and I think the time has come for me to say it out loud.

As you know, the name of my blog is Imparting Grace, and I'm determined that the title will also be my purpose. I want to be full of grace. I want to celebrate grace. I do not want to be angry and huffy and unforgiving, and I'm determined not to be. But to tell the truth, sometimes I get mad. This is one of those times, and I think I should get this off my chest.

You know what made me mad? A statement from a blogger. In an interview, this blogger said something like, "Some bloggers should just realize that they're never going to be successful. Sorry. We can't all be successful."

The blogger who issued that statement IS successful, and she posts about cool projects. But you know what? Her blog contains so many grammatical errors that I find it hard to read. Now, even though I'm a grammar nerd, I love a conversational, not-hung-up-on-grammar kind of writing. Besides, we all make mistakes from time to time. No, these are mistakes that a common grammar and spelling checker should catch. There are many bloggers who go to a lot of trouble to make sure that their posts are as error-free as they can be, even though that takes a lot of work. I appreciate them and their respect for their readers. Since bloggers are writers, it feels wrong to me that the example of a "successful" blogger be someone who doesn't seem to care about the use of the language. I don't understand why that kind of blogger should have the privilege of saying to small bloggers, "You're not going to make it, so just give up."

Perhaps I should realize that I'm the intended audience for the advice of that blogger. I've been blogging a long time, and my blog is not big or fancy or hugely popular. But I think maybe I have something to say, and I do my best to say it well and to be a positive presence in the blogging community. And I've met a lot of "big" bloggers who are respectful and helpful and generous and genuinely nice. People like Melissa of 320 Sycamore and Kate of Censational Girl and Sarah of Thrifty Decor Chick and Gina of The Shabby Creek Cottage and Nester of Nesting Place and Melissa of The Inspired Room and Rhoda of Southern Hospitality and Traci of Beneath My Heart and Beth of Home Stories A to Z and many more--all of whom have huge blogs and all of whom are really kind.

So today I'm going to use my little voice and say what I believe needs to be said. If you're a blogger, you don't have to be big to be "successful." You can have a medium-sized blog or even a tiny blog and still be successful. If you want to have advertising, good for you. If you hate advertising and don't ever want to have any, good for you. If you want to change your blog design constantly, good for you. If you never want to change your blog design, good for you. If you want to write long posts with no photos, good for you. If you want to do all your talking through photos, good for you. The truth is that you may not have a big blog or a money-making blog, but that doesn't mean your blog is not a success.

The world of blogging has become a crowded place, but who says there's not room for one more? Producing a good blog is hard work, but if you're doing what you want to do in a way that's respectful of others, I think you're a successful blogger.

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comments:

Ack! I love this post, Richella! This subject is something that's often on my mind. I'm a tiny little blog, but I've started to realize that I maybe can still consider myself a successful one. I like my work, some other people do too, and I've found a routine that allows me to fit blogging pretty easily into my life. Wish we all had your perspective!

Sometimes I get hung up on the numbers. Lots of days I don't feel "successful" but then I'll get a comment out of the blue that encourages me to press on. I totally agree. Success isn't about the numbers (although comments are the fuel to a blogger's fire), it's about doing our best and speaking to our specific readers. It's really about how much we care ... and I can tell that you do! ((hugs))

Well said. :-) I've been blogging for almost 5 years and still have a very small following. I say - "whatever! Who cares!?" As long as someone is interested in what I'm making and it makes me happy to share it, I'll keep doing it. I guess she is right about one thing - we can't all be "successful" according to the numbers, but as you said, there are other ways to be successful.

Hi Richella! Good for you for expressing your heart and staying true to yourself, THAT is success not only in blogging but in life! It's easy to obsess about the numbers, it's more difficult to focus on what really matters, which is what you've done today! Keep sharing your beautiful voice with the world! xoKate

Oh Richella. I get you.- It kills me that there are so many "under-appreciated" blogs out there that are really superior in their content, and yet some who have huge followings - are so...inferior in quality.- I recently took the stop of taking off all stat-showing widgets off my blog. I just simply don't want to be judged by my numbers - and I don't want to judge myself by my numbers either! It's been freeing. And it may turn some people off...not seeing x-amount of followers following me, but you know, that's ok. If they can't take the time to dig and find out what I have to say on their own - oh well.- Anyway...all that to say...thanks for posting this!:-)

Well said! I agree with you so much on every single point and love that you added Melissa at 320 Sycamore....she is my idol and I respect her so much. :) Your blog is such an inspiration for me, I just wanted to let you know that and as hard as it can be to not focus on numbers and the like, you ARE making a difference one blog post at a time. Thank the Lord for blogs like yours and Melissa's and the list goes on and on. You inspire and make me feel like I am listening to a friend talk over coffee with every post. :) God Bless you Richella. :)

Amen, and well said Richella. Having a blog is such a personal thing and we're all different and that's what make blogging so fun. I love your blog and always have. You are one of the 'nice' ones. I guess one of biggest pet peeves is commenting over and over on a 'big' blog because I like what the post, but never a comment back - ever. I know when folks get 100s of comments they just can't respond to them all. But you know they read their comments and if they see the same person pop up often, you would think they'd be kind enough to acknowledge your comment at least once. Now, your light shines brightly in blogland and I'm so glad I've gotten to know you!Blessings,Shelia ;)

You are always such an encouragement Richella! I constantly struggle with the "success" part of blogging. Blogging has really changed in just the past year. The simple joy of it has kind of disappeared and has transformed into a dog eat dog world of clawing your way up to the top. This week I personally decided to go back to blogging the way I want to blog, not the way I'm expected to. If it means less page views then so be it. I didn't start blogging to become a success, but to to express my creativity and be ME once again. Thanks for the candid post.~ Kim @ Sand & Sisal

You know I'm not a blogger, but I do follow a few. To me, a successful blogger is someone who can write messages that move my heart, fill my heart with joy, make me laugh, and help me realize that I need to put my trust in the Lord at all times and without question. And, yes, like you, I become irritated when I see misspellings or bad grammar, but for me this occurs anywhere - most especially on the graphics used on the NEWS. Hello? Did anyone ever hear of a copywriter?? If it's "breaking news" I might cut the station some slack. If not, I'm right on the phone. How else can we continue to educate each other? Sorry, I'm off on a tangent and ranting.

My point is this: YOUR blog has moved me, made me laugh, filled my heart with joy and made me realize how much I need to rely upon the Lord. You are a success, dear Richella, and anyone who would dare to define you by the number of followers or hits you have would have a number of your readers with which to reckon!!

I love this post and your blog! I have only been blogging for a couple of months and don't have that many followers but love it. As a new stay at home mom it keeps me busy during my little girl's naps. Our blogs give us the opportunity to reflect God's love for us. If you only get to share that with one person that makes your blog successful. My husband reminds me of that often because he is continually amazed that I have the opportunity to reach people all over the world. Keep on blogging... I'll be here reading.

I got burned out with blogging and closed my old blog to the public. I started a new blog which chronicles our journey (my husband and myself) as we start all over in a new city and just recently, in a new home.

I think I have 6 followers on my new blog. LOL, yep! And I'm just fine with it. It's basically for old friends to take a peek at what I'm up to. I don't blog often and therefore not a slave to it. I'm not knocking it for those who enjoy it; it's just not my thing to be saddled with it. It's a toy I sometimes like to play with and other times, not.

HI, Richella, I love the way you write & express your heart, so thanks for sharing it today. And thanks for putting me on your "good" blogger list, I so appreciate that. I treat people the way I want to be treated & so far that has worked for me. Kindness in blogging goes a long way & I'm happy to say that most are kind and generous. You are right, success can mean many things & sharing our voices is success, as is developing friendships, which to me has been the BEST thing about blogging. So glad you are MY friend!!

HI, Richella, I love the way you write & express your heart, so thanks for sharing it today. And thanks for putting me on your "good" blogger list, I so appreciate that. I treat people the way I want to be treated & so far that has worked for me. Kindness in blogging goes a long way & I'm happy to say that most are kind and generous. You are right, success can mean many things & sharing our voices is success, as is developing friendships, which to me has been the BEST thing about blogging. So glad you are MY friend!!

Wow! Richella this was excellent on so many levels my friend and I say a big "Amen" to everything. :-) I wonder how that blogger's definition of "success" affects other areas of her life. Because I don't define myself by numbers or 'hits' or how many comments are left! I define myself by whether or not the Lord is pleased with how I am serving Him and loving His people, you know? Thank you for sharing from your heart in such a truthful and gracious way my friend! :-)Love, Vanessa

I don't know who made that statement, but it seems to me that they're issues have nothing to do with blogging. Success is purely based on your definition of it. Not everyone blogs for numbers or advertising.

Great post, Richella! I think success comes from doing something you really enjoy, no matter what the numbers look like. The key is to remain humble in that success. Your blog has always been so positive and a joy to read! That, in itself, makes you a success!

Thanks so much for sharing this, Richella! On many levels, it means so much to hear it. It is hard not to compare yourself to other bloggers and wonder how your blog can grow. But to define our 'own' success... it has to come from our heart, not our numbers.

I'm one of those small blogs. I agree with you about grammar. It is very sad that people are always writing about themselves, their sales, their news, their accomplishments.'I wish I had time to do a project a day, turn around and blog about it, and wait for everyone to admire my talents.

I get bored when people only blog about their sales, followers, shops, new finds, books, paint, etc.etc. Personally, Iam trying to understand what "blogland" is all about.

I feel just like you said, however, the few people who read my blog, tell me they like it. I will never achieve thousands and thousands of followers, but then, this is not my only purpose in life.Family, time together, church, hobbies and friends is very important. I also have a career as a Teacher, and this is very challenging, more than having my own shop, or painting perfect, orselling paint.

I echo the sentiments of the above comments, and you know you and I are cut from the same grammatical cloth! I double puffy heart love you and I love your blog. I love that I can come over here and you actually DO impart grace. I always leave here feeling better than when I arrived. There are very few blogs that can claim that. That makes you one of the biggest bloggers I know. xoxo

Dear Richella,I think being a success at anything means doing it from your heart, with well meaning and thoughtful intention. With that said, you should be proud that you in every right ARE successful! You have touched by heart and pulled me into your blog through your sweet messages of grace and your warm and inviting posts. No big hoopla, no big ads, no big "ta da" needed! Keep on blogging from your heart!

Well said Richella! Besides, I have yet to see a "concrete" definition of what makes a successful blog. I say if you have a purpose, (i.e. Yours is to impart grace) and you are true to that purpose then you indeed have a successful blog because you have successfully achieved your goal!

What saddens me is when some bloggers succeed beyond their expectations and that success goes to their heads. Every single blogger has a first post, started at 0 followers and 0 page views. May every blogger remember where they came from and focus on where THEY are going not anyone else.

Thank you Richella for this post. I have a very, very small and fairly new blog. Sometimes I wish it was huge and popular, but mostly I'm glad it's not. There is something about putting your thoughts out in blog land for everyone to see. It's very vulnerable.I decided to blog so that someday my boys will be able to read and learn more about their momma. So, even if no one else reads my blog, it's a success for the purpose of my boys.

Well said.I have been thinking lately that some of the bigger blogs, "sure are full of themselves". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good painting tip as much as the next person, but often I don't even open them, as I really don't want to read about how great they are. What speaks to me is the humble, the servant heart, the ones who minister thru their blogs, while sharing their tips. It's not my place to judge thier motives, but in the scope of life, what I hope that what matters to me is what matters to God.... Thanks for sharing today....

Richella, I so agree with you. The only person that can define if your blog is successful is yourself. What is your purpose? your intent? how do you want your readers to feel when they visit your blog? To come away with? I love Stephen Covey's "begin with the end in mind"~I come back to it time and time again when I worry that my numbers aren't where I think they should be or that I should be posting more. If your intent is to impart grace to your readers, you certainly do that every time I come here. Thank you for this post....xo

Richella- Man-oh-man...you said a mouthful here! I so agree with you. A blog should be just what the writer intends it to be...full of projects, or gardens, or thoughts...or just about life itself.

When someone asks me what my blog is about I always feel a bit like Seinfeld...It's a blog about nothing. lol Nothing in particular. I write it for my kids and to preserve the memories of my grandkids. I have more followers than I ever thought I would have. How the heck did that happen? I don't write with perfect grammar. I often just blurt things out and leave them as is...but, that's just me.

I love coming here because YOU are REAL...and, honey, I like real. Gotta love a blogger that is so smug and self-satisfied that they can tell someone else they are (basically) a LOSER. Hello? Who IS the loser, after all?

Love ya, kiddo- you just keep being yourself and I'll just keep hanging around! xo Diana

So thankful you wrote this post. I try not to get caught up in numbers or in what others are doing or writing about on their blogs. I've been blogging about five years now. For me, my success is only defined by whether my blog is taking the direction the Lord desires it to go. And, if I am encouraging others, than that's all I really care about!

and at the end of your rant (wink, wink!)it is so clear that you truly are all about grace (i already knew that.) success is defined in so many ways... and you just opened it up a little more... offering it to anyone who desires it. your encouragement is your grace today!!

big, small, tiny... it is how He works thru us... and oh dear friend, He works in YOU!

Beautifully said Richella. And thank you for being brave to say so, I know it couldn't have been easy. I am one to frequently worry about my blog growth & what traffic it brings to my small "newbie" business, having "perfect" blog content weighs heavily with me. I've often found I need to remind myself that weather one person reads or one hundred people read, I blog for myself & the success & fulfillment I get from that is all in how *I* perceive it, not the rest of the world. Thanks for that reminder today. :-) Blessings to you!

Richella you are always so good at saying things the perfect way! I think if you are blogging what you love then you are successful! I get caught up with stuff like followers and comments sometimes...I guess I need a little validation every once in a while. But I think just sharing my creativity and hoping that I can inspire someone should be enough to keep me blogging!

I believe that the rewarding part of writing a blog is to record what is important to ME and I enjoy when others are inspired, intrigued or just amused to read it. This blogger (who left the comment) is apparently one of those gals who we prefer not to be around - people like that can drag you down to try to lift themself up - however it doesn't work that way and we all know it. And as for writing, I have stopped reading some blogs because of poor writing, I find it frustrating! So, well said, and continued success for you!

Yours was the first blog I found somehow one day. I think I was googling for paint colors and came across your site. I have since become addicted to blogland and love looking at pictures and recipes, etc. But the blogs that I love are the ones who have heart and soul and kindness stamped on them, which is why yours is one of my favorites. You can tell which ones are all about being popular for popularity sake, and I can tell you that I don't even read those ones. Not interested. I have just a little time to spare in my day and I want to be rejuvenated with something that touches my heart. So to me, numbers don't matter and I hope you will keep doing what you do because you are very inspirational and that's what really matters.

Amen, Richella. I think every blog is successful in some form or another. It takes courage to put things on the internet for everyone to see and possibly criticize. There are no two people alike and so there are no two blogs alike either and that's the way it should be. What doesn't change is that we are all people and each and every one of us, no matter how much or how little we have, we all have something good to contribute.

Amen, Richella! Well spoken. I may have stated it here, but I really struggle with this blog popularity concept. I have made peace with myself and decided I really do blog more for myself, family, and friends. I welcome others to my blog wholeheartedly and have met some wonderful people, but my self-worth is not internet bound.

So far, only people I know (from facebook) read and comment on my blog. It's always a huge THRILL when someone, anyone, takes the time to read what I've written. I'm just starting out and have lots to learn, but it is fun to think up an idea and write about it.

Hi Richella,You don't know me....but your friend Anne (from Mt. Pleasant, TX) is my friend from college. I found your blog when another friend of yours came to Chicago to be a live organ donor. Anne posted the story on Facebook and added a link to your blog. I immediately thought: "Oh, I know a Christian doctor at that hospital--I should make sure he knows to pray for this case..." I then found out that he already was praying and that our mutual friend (a pastor) was there at the hospital praying with your friend. So after that long story, now I read your blog, and it makes me happy to see someone who cares about faith and family and hospitality. Thank you for brightening my day.

I would agree with so many comments posted here. I too have a small blog -- ie. few followers, but I have more readers than I think! Many people who read my blog do not official, 'follow' my blog. And I too came to a point where I am very happy doing what I do the way I do it! Thanks for the reassurance and encouragement because yes, sometimes it can be discouraging and make you feel as though your ideas/information, etc. don't cout. Blessings!

Amen Sista!!! Thank you so much for saying what needed to be said. It's not just in the blogging world, but plenty of people could stand to read your column. It never hurts to be kind and often kidness will pay dividends. Good for you for speaking up!

Your words are a salve to my heart- thank you. It can be so discouraging sometimes when I get caught up in comparisons. I have to add 2 bloggers to your good bloggers list- Brittany @ Pretty Handy Girl and Marion @ Miss Mustard Seed. Getting a response to questions really means a lot to me & those two are the best.

Thank you for putting all that emotion into your post today...I have such a good time writing my feelings and posting what I'm up to each week.. it's really for me and a few friends who enjoy reading... about me!I don't have advertisers and I don't think I'm a good writer.. I'm just enjoying keeping a journal of sorts.. Yes I have followers and I have made some good friends out there in blogland.. your post made me feel good about my blog.. and I do hope you also feel good about yours!thanks so muchSandy

Geesh, someone actually said that??? Pretty pathetic if you ask me. I don't have a big blog or tons of followers but I enjoy blogging very much so to me I am successful! I love bloggers who are honest and YOU sure are. I really appreciate that. Thanks for this post. Maybe whoever said it will see this??? XO, Pinky

Add me to the list of bloggers who agree wholeheartedly with you! No other person has the right to tell someone whether they or their blog are successful. Each person has their own level of personal success and each person needs only to answer to her/himself as to whether or not they have achieved success!

Obviously your are GRACE-FULL and I love reading your blog. The personal stories and anecdotes enforce my belief that you are a "real" wife and mom and not just a professional blogger!

Wow, Just the post for me today. I've been blogging since 2008 and I've felt like such a nobody so many times. It seems like everyone in the blog world is personal friends and uber successful.

I don't try to sell ads or push products on readers. I simply write. I write about my family, life & my Lord. I'm not seeking fame or fortune. However, satan has been sneaky to flub me up a time or two by COMPARING my blog & skills to other more popular blogs.

I don't know who it is that spoke the words that fired you up...but it sounds a little too haughty. If I find a blogger to be braggy or name dropping more than I can stand--I click away and don't return.Blogging should be fun and if I'm all bummed out because I have a mediocre blog with few readers...I need to regroup!

Just like life....there is always someone that wants to compete to be the best. I just want to be the best I can for Christ!

Well said! When I first started blogging someone told me that I would never be as popular as a certain big name blog. But who says I have to be? I enjoy working on projects, writing about them, and connecting with readers and other bloggers. I don't think it matters how many followers I have, just as long as I enjoy what I'm doing.

Good for you! I agree with everything you said here! I just started blogging in January (and honestly kept the blog to myself until March when I had some actually posts to show). I have had a few successful bloggers really make me feel welcome in the blogging world and a few that have been not so nice. I think those of us that are smaller need to stick together :o)

Richella - this was a fabulous post! I have had a similar post in my mind or quite some time now. I read a while back on a blog I had previously enjoyed some really frustrating and arrogant comments about blogging that got me all riled up. Haha! Anyway, this was a great post. (Oh and don't be too hard on my blog with all of my horrible typos and grammar issues - I am normally typing mine up at about 3AM and can barely see straight - haha!)

Very well said! I am still new to blogging, and I hope to be "successful" in time. As a writer, I work very hard to put out posts that are worth reading, and free of obvious errors. In the end that is what is most important to me, writing posts that I can be proud of.

Richella-This is a great post-thank you. Women are so prone to comparison, and it really does steal our joy, just like the famous quote says. I have made a choice to only read uplifting blogs-ones that will make me feel better and inspired, not ones that will bring me down. That is why I enjoy reading yours! Thanks for hosting the Thursday blog party. It's fun!

Well said, my friend! I've given up aiming to be a "big" blog. As my numbers slowly, painstakingly creep up, I think it's nice...but I'm doing my best to not obsess about it anymore. I don't have time to dedicate hours of each day creating new projects, photographing them, and writing up posts. I'm blogging the way I want to. I'm tired of the scratch your eyeballs out-look at me!-I want to be the next big thing right NOW- attitude I see in blogging these days. My goal is to keep writing and sharing creative stuff...and try to let the rest go.

Wow, well I really can't believe anyone would even say such a thing!How shallow can you be to define success in just one way?

There are so many blogs out there now and it seems like almost everyone is trying to make money or be the next big thing. I can always spot those that are just in it for the money or to be "popular". Which to me is a total turn off.

I like content that uplifts or inspires or teaches me something new.

You my dear are the real deal. You most definitely have something to say that adds to the conversation.

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Child of God, apprentice to Jesus, wife of a great guy, and mom of three wonderful sons, I'm a blessed and profoundly grateful woman. I'm also a writer and speaker, and I serve on the Ministry Team and Board of Directors of Renovaré, a ministry dedicated to Christian spiritual formation.

I love blogs for the glimpses they provide into people's lives, so my blog gives you a glimpse into my life--my home, my family, my faith. My prayer is that this blog might impart some grace to you.